By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Thousands of supporters gathered in Ilorin on Tuesday as Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa declared his 2027 Kwara governorship bid, drawing supporters from across Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that teeming supporters from Lagos, Abuja and other parts of Nigeria converged on the Kwara state capital during the declaration.
In his declaration speech, Bolarinwa, popularly known as BOB, reflected on Kwara as a state, adding that priority would be placed on human capital development and security of lives and property.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a politician, but as a son of the soil.
“I stand as one who has walked this journey with you, shared in your hopes, understood your struggles, and remained committed to the progress of our dear Kwara state.
“With gratitude to Almighty Allah for His guidance, and with humility in my heart, I, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, PhD, hereby formally declare my intention to contest for the office of the Governor of Kwara state.
“This decision is not borne out of personal ambition alone, but from a clear conviction, a strong sense of duty, and a passionate desire to serve our people at a higher capacity,” he said.
Bolarinwa reminisced that his political journey had been one of service, sacrifice, and results.
He explained that he began from the grassroots as a Councillor, to serving as a Local Government Chairman.
He added that he represented the people at the National Assembly, and further strengthen democracy through service as Kwara state Party Chairman.
The aspirant said each political step and attainment prepared him for the moment.
“Together, we built structures, strengthened our party, and played key roles in shaping the political direction that brought renewed hope to our state.
“But today, our focus must go beyond politics. It must be about the future of Kwara.
“Our state stands at a critical point where we must deepen development, expand opportunities, and ensure that governance truly reflects fairness, inclusion, and justice,” he said.
The governorship aspirant reiterated resolve to build a Kwara where no district feels left behind, where every child has access to quality education.
He assured building a state where youths are empowered with meaningful opportunities, where farmers and traders are supported; and where economy works for all.
Bolarinwa expressed strong belief in equity, unity, and collective progress, adding that it is time to consolidate gains while also ensuring balance and inclusiveness across all regions of Kwara.
The aspirant declared that his vision includes decisively tackling and comprehensively addressing insecurity at all levels, ensuring the safety of lives and property across every part of the state.
“We will uphold peace, unity, and fairness across all communities, deliver people-centered governance driven by transparency and accountability.
“We will strengthen our economy through innovation, agriculture, and enterprise development, and invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure that improves everyday life,” he said.
He stated that emphaisis would be placed on empowerment of youths and women as drivers of growth and stability.
“This is not a journey I can undertake alone. It is a collective mission, a movement for a better, stronger, and more inclusive Kwara.
“I call on our party leaders, stakeholders, and all well-meaning people in Kwara to join hands with me.
“Let us work together to build on our shared aspirations and move our state forward with purpose and direction,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Abolaji Afolabi, the Chairman Central Planning Committee for BOB 2027 election, said that the official declaration to contest for the office of Governor in Kwara was not just about one man, but about a vision.
“It is about the collective yearning of our people for a Kwara that continuously works for everyone
“It is about a state where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right, where our children can dream bigger, our youths can thrive and our elders can live in dignity.
“We have visited all the divides across kwara, and the message is clear: Our people are ready for purposeful leadership and competence.
“We are confident that this is the leadership kwara sate needs at this critical moment,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
